Urbandale Midway and carnival open at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 2 and Wednesday and noon Thursday. On Tuesday, a teen street dance will be held at 71st street and Aurora Avenue. Wednesday’s activities include a soccer game at Frerichs Field and a street dance at 71st Street and Aurora Avenue. Thursday is packed with runs beginning at Walker Johnston Park, a parade at 10 a.m., live music and more, all concluding with fireworks at 10 p.m. www.uniquelyurbandale.com

Urbandale (Living History Farms) 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, July 4. Enjoy an old-fashioned Fourth with a historic Independence Day celebration in the town of Walnut Hill. Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale. 278-5286. $13 adults; $12 ages 60+ and military; $7.50 ages 3-12, under 3 and members free.

West Des Moines The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, starting at Valley West Drive and Ashworth Road, then proceeding east to Vine, then south on Vine to Sixth Street, and then south on Sixth, ending at Elm. From 5 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, party in Valley Junction with live music and food. The celebration will be held in Railroad Park and the 100 block of Fifth Street after the completion of the West Des Moines parade. 222-3642. Free admission. On Thursday, the party is at Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines. 222-3420.

Windsor Heights 1 and 5-10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4. A parade begins at 72nd Street and Hickman Road at 1 p.m. Evening festivities start at 5 p.m. with food and other vendors, live music and more, ending with fireworks at 10 p.m. Colby Park, 6900 School St., Windsor Heights. 645-6821. No admission to attend.